Universal attachment flange

ABSTRACT

A universal attachment flange to connect equipment utilized to perform a task to various connection arrangements. A universal attachment flange is provided with a plurality of hole patterns to permit a bolted attachment of the flange to other devices that present varying patterns of bolt receiving holes. The universal attachment flange is capable of connection to a variety of four (4) hole patterns and at least one three (3) hole pattern. In one form the universal attachment flange includes a through hole threaded to receive a connection fitting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/361,777, filed Feb. 23, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,962, issued Jan. 12, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an attachment flange for equipment utilized to perform a task by connection to other equipment. More particularly, it is directed to an attachment flange primarily to attach associated equipment to a variety of connection arrangements.

In many industries, equipment used to perform a task must accommodate a variety of connection arrangements present on the equipment upon which a particular activity is to be performed. One such example is found in the railroad and trucking industries in which pressurized air or other source of pressurized gas is attached to a tank car or a vehicular tank trailer to deliver the pressurized gas into the interior of the tank car or tank trailer during unloading of the load carried in the vehicle. The tank cars or trailer tanks of various manufacturers are used by shippers to supply raw materials to a customer that uses the materials in a manufacturing process. Because of differences between manufacturers of the load carrying vehicles, the task of unloading requires a variety of attachment arrangements to accommodate the connection arrangements presented by the vehicles employed by shippers.

The present invention accommodates the variance in connection arrangements by providing an attachment flange for the equipment to be connected that has a universal attachment capability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a connection arrangement illustrative of one embodiment of a railroad tank car or vehicular trailer tank with connection arrangement in the form of a flange for attachment of a supply of pressurized air or other gas.

FIG. 2 is a front planar view of one embodiment of the universal attachment flange of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the flange of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the universal attachment flange of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a modified form of a universal attachment flange embodying the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the flange of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the universal attachment flange illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows load carrying equipment in the form of a vehicular tank car 10. The car 10 includes a connection station 12 for connection of various lines to input air to assist in unloading of the contents of the car.

One connection 13 in the form of an annular flange surrounding an opening 11 receives input from a pressurized air from a supply at the unloading station. The air is discharged into the tank through associated piping to assist in unloading of the lading which is usually a fluent, particulate material. Air enters opening 11 and passes through a system of pipes (not shown) inside the tank.

Connection 13 is an annular flange with a generally planar attachment face 14. A plurality of circular, or round holes 15 receive bolts to connect the source of pressurized air to the connection flange 13. Because the tank cars are made by different manufacturers the bolt pattern presented by one connection for attachment of the air supply line are different from the bolt pattern presented by a car of a different manufacturer. In the embodiment illustrated, the bolt receiving holes 15 of the flange or connection 13 are disposed ninety degrees (90°) apart on a 5 ½ inch diameter bolt circle. The holes are sized to receive a standard ⅝ inch bolt. The term bolt circle is the common term for an imaginary circular line passing through the centers of the bolt receiving holes 15 coaxial with the transverse axis perpendicular to planar attachment face 14.

Common bolting patterns presented by connection flange 13 include four (4) holes on a six inch diameter (6″) bolt circle, four (4) holes on a five and one half inch (5 ½″) diameter bolt circle, four (4) holes on a four and three quarter inch (4 ¾″) diameter bolt circle and three (3) holes on a five and one half inch (5 ½″) diameter bolt circle. The holes of the four hole patterns are ninety degrees (90°) apart and the holes of the three hole pattern are one hundred twenty degrees (120°) apart.

In accordance with the present invention, a universal attachment flange 16 is provided which accommodates various different patterns of annular hole spacing arrangements of connection flange 13. The flange 16 as illustrated has a generally annular body with concentric radially inner and radially outer edges coaxial with a transverse centerline perpendicular to a front generally planar face surface 19, and a rear generally planar face surface 21. The shape of the exterior perimeter of flange 16, or its axial thickness is not material to the present invention. It must only be of a shape and thickness to permit securement to the connection flange 13 on the tank car without leakage between facing surfaces.

In the illustrated embodiment the axial thickness is two inches (2″). The flange 16 could also be made of metal. Preferably the universal attachment flange 16 is made of a polymer such as polyethylene.

As illustrated, the universal attachment flange 16 includes a central through hole 18 threaded with a pipe thread that commences at front generally planar face surface 19. It receives a connection fitting of a hose from an external source of pressurized air. Typically the air hose is connected to the pressurized air supply at the unloading location. The air is usually passed through a regulator and delivered at a pressure of from 10 to 15 pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG).

The hose connection hole 18 illustrated is a one inch (1″) national pipe thread (NPT) fitting, with eleven and one-half (11 ½) threads per inch, but the size and can vary without departing from the present invention. It must be understood that the present invention contemplates that the attachment flange 16 not include through hole 18. The flange, in that instance, can be utilized as a closure, to seal off opening 11 in connection flange 13.

The rear generally planar face 21 of universal attachment flange 16 mates with the planar face 14 of connection flange 13 in face-to-face relation. Flange 16 includes a series of through holes in a pattern, generally designated 20, through which bolts (not shown) can be passed. Nuts (not shown) attached to bolts secure the flange 16 to the connection flange 13. A gasket (not shown) may be employed between the generally planar face 14 of connection flange 13 and rear generally planar face surface 21 of universal attachment flange 16 to insure against leakage.

The hole pattern 20 is a combination of elongated or oblong holes 22 and circular holes 30 and oblong holes 32 that align with and overlie a variety of patterns on the connection flange 13 of different tank cars or tank trailers to permit attachment of flange 16 to connection flange 13.

For simplicity, the term “bolt circle” is used in this application to refer to the concentric imaginary circular lines upon which a radius is struck to define a curved surface defining at least a portion of a through hole of the hole pattern 20 of the universal attachment flange 16.

These imaginary lines are illustrated as concentric with the radially inner and radially outer edges of generally planar face surfaces 19 and 21 about a transverse centerline perpendicular to the generally planar surfaces 19 and 21. Of course, the edge shape of universal attachment flange 16 could vary without departing from the invention. Also, the central hole 18 need not be present.

The embodiments illustrated are intended to provide an understanding of the configuration of hole patterns of the invention. Note also that the reference to horizontal and vertical is, also only for ease in understanding since the universal attachment flange 16 is capable of being positioned in any plane. Also, the horizontal and vertical centerlines are imaginary lines that intersect each other to define four imaginary radial lines that are ninety degrees (90°) apart.

As described below, the hole patterns are formed by a radius designated “R” struck from locations on three concentric bolt circles designated BC₁, BC₂, and BC₃. The radially outer bolt circle BC₁ has a six inch (6″) diameter, the middle bolt circle BC₂ has a five and one half inch (5 ½″) diameter and the radially inner bolt circle BC₃ has a four and three quarter inch (4 ¾″) diameter.

The radius R defining the holes is a three-eights inch (⅜″) radius. Thus, the round holes are three quarter inch (¾″) in diameter (twice R) and the oblong or elongated holes have a width of three quarter inch (¾″) and have semi-circular ends formed on a three-eights inch (⅜″) radius (R). This hole size provides adequate clearance for the ⅝″ bolts used to connect universal attachment flange 16 to connection flange 13.

The pattern of the holes 20 in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 to 4 include four elongated or oblong holes 22 spaced ninety degrees (90°) apart about the central threaded hole 18. Referring to FIG. 2, the hole 22 a is located on a vertical centerline at the zero degree (0°) or three hundred sixty degree (360°) location, a hole 22 b is located on a horizontal centerline at the ninety degree (90°) location, a hole 22 c is located on the vertical centerline at the one hundred eighty degree (180°) location and a hole 22 d is located on the horizontal centerline at the two hundred seventy degree (270°) location.

Each hole 22 is defined by radially inner semi-circular end surface formed by radius R struck from a point P₁ where the 5 ½ inch diameter bolt circle BC₂ intersects radial lines defining the horizontal and vertical centerlines of the universal attachment flange 16, and a radially outer semi-circular end surface formed by a radius R struck from a point P₂ where the 6 inch diameter bolt circle BC₁ intersects the horizontal and vertical centerlines. Parallel sidewall surfaces spaced apart a distance equal to twice radius R join the radially inner and radially outer semi-circular end surfaces to form elongated holes 22.

Two circular holes 30 are located adjacent, and on either side of hole 22 b, one between holes 22 a and 22 b, and one between holes 22 b and 22 c. These holes are defined by radius R struck from a point P₃ where a line at and angle of forty five degrees (45°) to the horizontal centerline, on either side of it intersects the 4 ¾ inch bolt circle BC₃.

Two additional elongated or oblong holes 32 are provided adjacent, and on either side of hole 22 d which is disposed one hundred eighty degrees (180°) from hole 22 b. One such hole 32 is located between holes 22 c and 22 d and the other located between holes 22 d and 22 a. These holes are defined by an inner semi-circular end surface formed by radius R struck from a point P₄ where a radial line at forty-five degrees (45°) to the horizontal centerline, on either side of it intersects the 4 ¾ inch bolt circle BC₃ and a semi-circular surface formed by a radius R struck from a point P₅ where a radial line sixty degrees (60°) to the horizontal centerline, on either side of it intersects 5 ½ inch bolt circle BC₂. Parallel sidewall surfaces spaced apart a distance equal to twice radius R connect the semi-circular end surfaces to form elongated holes 32.

The holes 22, 30, and 32 in universal attachment flange 16 accommodate attachment to a variety of bolt patterns presented by different configurations of connection flange 13 found on different tank cars 10. In this embodiment, holes 22 accommodate or permit a bolted connection to a pattern on a connection flange 13 that includes four (4) holes equally spaced on a six inch (6″) bolt circle or on a five and one-half inch (5 ½″) bolt circle. Holes 30 and 32 accommodate a connection flange 13 that has four (4) bolt holes positioned equally spaced about a four and three quarter inch (4 ¾″) bolt circle. Holes 32 and hole 22 b accommodates or permit a bolted connection to a pattern of holes 15 on a connection 13 that is defined by three (3) holes equally spaced one hundred twenty degrees (120°) apart about a five and one half inch (5 ½″) bolt circle.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 through 7, there is illustrated a modified form of universal attachment flange designated 116 embodying the principles of the present invention.

As in the first embodiment, a universal attachment flange 116 accommodates variations in hole spacing arrangements of connection flange 13. The flange 116 is generally annular and includes a front generally planar face 119 and a rear generally planar face 121. The shape of the exterior perimeter or its axial thickness is not material to the present invention. It must only be of a shape and thickness to permit securement to the connection 13 on the tank car without leakage between facing surfaces. Again, a gasket is usually employed between the generally planar face 14 of connection flange 13 and rear facing surface 121 of universal attachment flange 116.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7, the universal attachment flange 116 includes a central hole 118 threaded with a pipe thread that commences at front generally planar facing surface 119. If the universal attachment flange 116 were employed as a cover or closure plate for opening 11, central hole 118 would be eliminated.

Threaded hole 118 receives a connection fitting of a hose from a supply of pressurized air. The hose connection illustrated is a one inch (1″) national pipe thread (NPT) fitting, but the size can vary without departing from the present invention.

Rear generally planar face 121 mates with the planar face 14 of connection flange 13 in face-to-face relation. Flange 116 includes a series of through holes in a pattern, generally designated 120, through which bolts (not shown) can be passed. Nuts (not shown) attached to the bolts secure the flange 116 to the connection flange 13. A gasket (not shown) may be employed between the generally planar face 14 of connection 13 and rear generally planar face 121 of universal attachment flange 116 to insure against leakage.

The hole pattern 120 is a combination of elongated or oblong holes 122 and circular holes 130 that align with and overlie a variety of patterns on the connection flange 13 of different tank cars or tank trailers to permit attachment of the air supply to station 12. As described below, the hole patterns are formed by a radius designated “R” struck from locations on three concentric bolt circles designated BC₁, BC₂, and BC₃. The radial outer bolt circle BC₁ has a six inch (6″) diameter, the middle bolt circle BC₂ has a five and one half inch (5 ½″) diameter and radially inner bolt circle BC₃ has a four and three quarter inch (4 ¾″) diameter.

The radius R defining the holes is a three-eights inch (⅜″) radius. Thus, the round holes are three quarter inch (¾″) in diameter (twice R) and the oblong or elongated holes have a width of three quarter inch (¾″) and have semi-circular ends formed by a three-eights inch (⅜″) radius (R). This hole size provides adequate clearance for the ⅝″ bolts used to connect universal attachment flange 116 to connection flange 13.

The pattern of the holes 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7 include four elongated or oblong holes 122 spaced ninety degrees (90°) apart about the central threaded hole 118. Referring to FIG. 5, the hole 122 a is located on a vertical centerline at the zero degree (0°) or three hundred sixty degree (360°) location, a hole 122 b is located on a horizontal centerline at the ninety degree (90°) location, a hole 122 c is located on the vertical centerline at the one hundred eighty degree (180°) location and a hole 22 d is located on the horizontal centerline at the two hundred seventy degree (270°) location.

Each hole 122 is defined by radially inner semi-circular end surface formed by radius R struck from a point P₆ where the 4 ¾ inch diameter bolt circle BC₃ intersects the horizontal and vertical centerlines, and a radially outer semi-circular end surface formed by radius R struck from a point P₇ where the 6 inch diameter bolt circle BC₁ intersects the horizontal and vertical centerlines. Parallel sidewall surfaces spaced apart a distance equal to twice R join the radially inner and radially outer semi-circular end surfaces to form elongated holes 122.

Two circular holes 130 are located adjacent and on either side of hole 122 d, one between holes 122 c and 122 d and one between holes 122 d and 122 a. These holes are defined by radius R struck from a point P₈ where a line sixty degrees (60°) to the horizontal centerline, on either side of it intersects the 5 ½ inch bolt circle BC₂.

The holes 122 and 130 in universal attachment flange 116 accommodate attachment to a variety of bolt patterns presented by different connections 13 found on different configurations of connection flange 13 found on different tank cars 10. In this embodiment, holes 122 accommodate or permit a bolted connection to a pattern on a connection flange 13 that includes four (4) holes equally spaced on a six inch (6″) bolt circle, on a five and one-half inch (5 ½″) bolt circle or on a four and three-quarter inch (4 ¾″) bolt circle. Holes 130 and hole 122 b accommodate or permit a bolted connection to a pattern of holes 15 on a connection flange 13 that is defined by three holes equally spaced about a five and one-half inch (5 ½″) bolt circle.

Various features of the present invention have been described with reference to the above illustrative embodiments. It should be understood that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as represented by the following claims. 

1. A universal attachment flange adapted to connect to an attachment flange receiving connection, said universal attachment flange comprising: a body defining a pair of spaced apart faces, one of said faces adapted to be secured to the attachment flange receiving connection in face-to-face relation, a pattern of through holes extending completely through said body between said faces, said pattern comprising a combination of through holes configured to align with a plurality of different hole patterns presented by various attachment flange receiving connections, said pattern defined by holes formed on an outer bolt circle BC₁, a middle bolt circle BC₂ and an inner bolt circle BC₃ wherein said bolt circles are concentric and coaxial with a centerline perpendicular to said faces, said pattern including four elongated holes having a radially outer semi-circular end surface defined by radius R struck from a point P where four radial lines, ninety degrees (90°) apart, extending from said centerline perpendicular to said faces intersect said outer bolt circle BC₁, and a radially inner semi-circular end surface defined by radius R struck from a point P where one of said middle bolt circle BC₂ or inner bolt circle BC₃ intersect each of said four radial lines, said radially outer semi-circular end surface and radially inner semi-circular end surface of each of said elongated holes joined by parallel side wall surfaces spaced apart a distance two times said radius R, said pattern further including two circular holes adjacent, and on either side of one of said four elongated holes, each said circular hole formed by said radius R struck from a point P where a radial line from said centerline perpendicular to said faces and spaced from one of said four radial lines ninety degrees (90°) apart intersects said middle bolt circle BC₂ or said inner bolt circle BC₃.
 2. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 1 wherein said radially inner semi-circular end surfaces of said elongated holes are formed by said radius R struck from point P where said four radial lines ninety degrees (90°) apart intersect said middle bolt circle BC₂.
 3. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 2 wherein said two circular holes are formed by said radius R struck where said radial lines from said centerline perpendicular to said faces intersect said inner bolt circle BC₃ and are spaced sixty degrees (60°) from one of said four radial lines ninety degrees (90°) apart.
 4. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 3, wherein said pattern includes two additional elongated holes adjacent, and on either side of one of said four elongated holes, said two elongated holes each having a radially outer semi-circular end surface defined by said radius R struck from point P where a radial line sixty degrees (60°) on either side of said one of said radial lines passing through said one of said four elongated holes intersects said middle bolt circle BC₂, and an inner semi-circular end surface defined by said radius R struck from point P where a radial line forty-five degrees (45°) on either side of said same one of said radial lines passing through said one of said four elongated holes ninety degrees (90°) apart intersects said inner bolt circle BC₃, said semi-circular end surfaces of said two additional elongated holes joined by parallel sidewall surfaces spaced apart a distance two times said radius R.
 5. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 4 wherein said body further includes a threaded through hole to receive a connection fitting concentric with said centerline perpendicular to said faces.
 6. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 5 wherein said faces of said body include a front generally planar face surface and a rear generally planar face surface and said threaded through hole is threaded with a pipe thread that commences at said front generally planar face surface and said rear generally planar face surface is adapted to mate with a planar face of a connection flange of an attachment flange receiving connection in face-to-face relation.
 7. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 1 wherein said radially inner semi-circular end surface of said elongated holes are formed by said radius R struck from point P where said four radial lines ninety degrees (90°) apart intersect said inner bolt circle BC₃.
 8. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 7 wherein said two circular holes are formed by said radius R struck where said radial lines from said centerline perpendicular to said faces intersect said middle bolt circle BC₂ and are spaced forty five degrees (45°) from one of said four radial lines ninety degrees (90°) apart.
 9. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 8 wherein said body further includes a threaded through hole to receive a connection fitting concentric with said centerline perpendicular to said faces.
 10. A universal attachment flange as claimed in claim 9 wherein said faces of said body include a front generally planar face surface and a rear generally planar face surface and said threaded through hole is threaded with a pipe thread that commences at said front generally planar face surface and said rear generally planar face surface is adapted to mate with a planar face of a connection flange of an attachment flange receiving connection in face-to-face relation. 